After asking my question about the older Hasbro stuff yesterday, and looking through pictures of both the Hasbro and Sideshow stuff, I ended up preordering one of these through BBTS yesterday "just in case" I decide to pick up a few more of the Sideshow 12" figures. I don't know how that works out (not getting an order in through Sideshow themselves), has anyone done this before? Also, has there been any info on when this will be released besides "2nd quarter"?

I just got an e-mail from BBTS saying that the Han I ordered through them is in the warehouse and ready to ship. I'm anxious to see this one. The only other Sideshow figure I have is the Bespin Han, and I'm trying to decide which way to go with a smaller "high end" (at least for me) collection. I'd like to get the main core characters in either the 12" line, or the Gentle Giant busts, and have been wavering which way to go. On the one hand, the busts are a little more affordable (and I have Han/Chewie), but there is a lot of backtracking I'd have to do (that could get expensive). Even though the 12" prices are going up (which is a downside for me too), if the characters were spread out a bit for me (focusing on OT only) it might not be too big of a hit at once. We'll see I guess.

I received the Han Solo figure today, and although I haven't had a chance to open it up yet, it looks pretty spiffy. I'm still thinking about picking up a handful of these, so while BBTS had a sale going on last week, I went ahead and ordered the ANH Leia as well since it was only $37. I didn't think that was too bad to take a chance on, and now I'll just need Luke to complete the ANH trinity. I sort of wish I would have picked up Obi-Wan when available though. I have to be careful though, these seem like they could get addictive - but I can't afford to go all out with them. If I stick to the "iconic" looks, there should be a bit of a break until they get into Chewbacca, Vader, a Stormtrooper, or the droids (if they do those).

there should be a bit of a break until they get into Chewbacca, Vader, a Stormtrooper, or the droids (if they do those).

Famous last words, eh? Nothing like jinxing yourself there, Brian!

Too true. When I got online this morning, I almost laughed to myself when I saw the news on both Vader and the Stormtrooper on the front page here at JD. Jinxing myself indeed. I should have just stayed far away. I will say that I'll have to see what the prices on these figures are going to be first though, otherwise I might just try to get the ANH Luke and be happy with the "trinity" of heroes. I can't start dropping $100+ for each of these personally - unless I drop everything else.